Minister of Environment Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan has revealed Maldives Green Fund will assist in the cultivation of palm trees in Maldives. The minister made the statement speaking at a panel discussion held to mark International Day of Forests.
Speaking at the panel discussion held by Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and Maldives National University (MNU), Environment Minister Hussain Rasheed revealed the administration has noticed a decrease in palm trees in Maldives. The environment minister noted no sufficient amount of work has been done to increase the amount of palm trees, which has been found in numerous numbers in the past. The minister assured the issue would be solved by the administration before it becomes a challenge to solve the issue. He revealed sufficient amount of awareness needs to be provided for the public as part of the efforts to solve the issue.
The environment minister said finance will be provided by the Maldives Green Fund to cultivate palm trees across the country. He further noted most of the palm trees seen across the country was planted some 50 years ago.
Although Maldives does not have huge forests, the country has an abundance of unique and beautiful trees.
The International Day of Forests was established on March 21, by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on November 28, 2012. Each year, various events celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests, and trees outside forests, for the benefit of current and future generations.
The Secretariat of the United Nations Forum on Forests, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation, facilitates the implementation of such events in collaboration with governments.
International Day of Forests was observed for the first time on March 21, 2013.